Open Space Report 13 June 2020 - conservationalliance.or.ke · Shruthi & Shalini Miho funaoka Carol...

Nairobi National Park: How can we ensure the management plan commits to protecting the unique, immeasurable ecological value and potential of the park for the public in Nairobi and beyond?

Open Space Report13th June 2020

Contents

How Do We Get The Public To Take Ownership Of Nnp ....................... 2 Assessing invertebrates through an annual survey ................................ 4 Impact of climate change on Nairobi National park. ............................... 7 How can the park facilitate transport across the city? ............................ 9 Ecosystem Valuation ........................................................................... 10 How Can We Balance Access To The Park While Preserving Visitor Experience & Nature Including Tarmacking Of Roads. ........................ 12 Metapopulation Management .............................................................. 14 How to ensure we get access for children to the park especially those who cannot afford it? & How do we educate the young children to fight the degradation of the park and threat to animals? How to change the narrative .............................................................................................. 17 How can we ensure that public and more so conservationists are all invited and fully involved in any plan that affects NNP. ........................ 19 Ecolodge ............................................................................................. 22

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Session: 1 Breakout space: 3 Topic:

How Do We Get The Public To Take Ownership Of NNP Convener: AKSHAY Who was there: Denise Wagner Anita Mwashi Akshay Shruthi & Shalini Miho funaoka Carol Getao Harriet Matsaert Faith K Jonathan Maurice Abondo Michelle Ajema Main discussion points

• For the public to take ownership, they have to be made

interested and we should able to grab their attention.

• Education and Awareness: From an early stage people(children)

should be taught about the importance of the park. An example

would be having an education program for the public and private

schools to increase awareness.

• KWS to facilitate school visits to the National Park instead of

Bomas of Kenya and Musuem visits.

• Accessibilty. Facilitating access to the park should be made

easier to the people living around the park. A suggestion to have

free access park to the people living near the park.

• Targeting local tourists other than foreigners.

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• Partnerships & Educating the community . An example would

be educating the youth and religious groups.

• To introduce subsidies to the price of the entry of the park.

• Involving people in park activities such as bird counting and

clean ups. This will help make people understand what the value

of the resource is.

• Visitor behavior. Bringing awareness of responsible behavior in

the park which is as a result of ownership of the park. This can

be achieved by sensitizing the people of their behavior in the

park. Top 3 recommendations for the plan

• Creating options for people of all backgrounds to access the park.

• Target the general public with different demographics in mind involving people of different backgrounds to promote stewardship programs such as clean ups, bird counting, special packages for cooperate involvement and surveys. Also bringing awareness of responsible visitor behavior in the park.

• Promote education and awareness targeting public and private schools, special events for the youth and having direct engagement with the schools.

Typed by: ANITA MWASHI

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Session: 1 Breakout number:1 Topic:

Assessing invertebrates through an annual survey Convener: Nigel Winser Who was there? Nigel Winser Paula Kahumbu Becky Hodge Asher Muriuki Dr James Muriuki Main discussion points

• Getting kids involved at an early age, empowering to see insects,

especially healthy insects

• Using invertebrates diversity to assess biodiversity health or

performance of NNP – very important because monitor and

detect problems like bee colony collapse

• Great way to include kids and citizens in science and getting

them involved and generating interested in careers in ecology

• Insects are easy, cheap, accessible for all ages

• Drawing attention to the great resources in Nairobi with National

Museums of Kenya (Africa’s biggest invertebrate collection) and

experts like Dino Martins, using iNaturalist, other online

resources

• Demonstrate that tourism and long term protection sustains

biodiversity

• Will increase the level of appreciation of biodiversity of the NNP

for everyone who participates

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• We’ve only identified 20% of all bugs in the world, NNP can be a

great example of improved biodiversity health in last 20 years or

more.

• Showcasing the importance of a city National Park, and

• Demonstrate our commitment to CBD and Kenya’s contribution

towards achieving the goals of CBD and SDG’s

• Excitement of kids seeing it and releasing them

• Timing is important

• World will respond to the fact that one of the oldest parks in

Africa is so well protected right next to a capital city – as a living

demonstration of how biodiversity has been protected

• These surveys will monitor whether the parks biodiversity are

increasing, staying the same or getting worse. Scientists to

identify the indicator species to inform the EIA on developments

in and outside of the park

• Students to have printed resources to help children and 5 easy to

find species

• Select five species, an ant, butterfly, beetle, bee, moth

• An annual festival will attract more visitors to the park –

especially families, children, students and teachers.

• Data will be made available for any students to analyse

Top 3 recommendations for the plan

• SMALL FIVE DUDU FEST: An annual 2 day sampling of invertebrates to assess the biodiversity health of the park – each school gets one plot, make their own charaxes traps and pitfall traps (specimens are released), training for teachers, and compare, simplifies methods to make it easy for schools. Organized by KWS, NMK, WCK, FoNNaP, TWF, Naretunoi Conservancy, WildlifeDirect and any other interested partners to

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support schools (primary and High and universities) with their interpretation and exhibits. Produce an annual report of the dudu fest – citizen science volunteers. Data and samples available for local scientists.

• Train volunteers on the invertebrates to help with the survey and help teachers with designing the equipment in conjunction with experts eg NMK, Nature Kenya. Teachers to use this survey to support lessons in math, geography, science, writing etc,

• KWS to support the Dudu fest by giving free access for the two day survey and to coordinate transport with relevant NGO’s, buses, schools to do their fund raising, elite schools to provide transport buses, meals etc

Typed by: Paula Kahumbu

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Impact of climate change on Nairobi National park. Convener: Benedict Musingi Who was there? Margaret Otieno Benedict Musingi Moraa Ratemo Hannah Mutegi Wendy Wangari Steve Itela Main discussion points

• Recognition that climate change and pollution have been

identified as key issues of concern in the park.

• The drivers are increased population, unplanned development

interfering with the dispersal areas

• Decrease in flora and fauna, Human/wildlife conflict and

plorification of invasive species.

• Stakeholder involvement in understanding the impacts of

businesses on the environment for sustainability.


• Conduct analysis on the soil and water in and around NNP.

• Reusing water and treating of industrial chemical effluents and purifying hazardous air pollutants.

• Conduct research on the climate change impact on the Nairobi National park flora and fauna.

• Increasing vegetation by planting indigenous trees inside the park to increase carbon sequestration capacity within the park.

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• Develop laws and regulations on the type of industries around the park and proper zonation on land use.

• Adopt technology cleaner technologies in reducing air and pollution.

• Implementation of research findings on impact of climate change on Nairobi national park.

Typed by; Tobias Odhacha

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Session: 1 Breakout space:5 Topic:

How can the park facilitate transport across the city? Convener:Timothy Munene Who was there? 1. Timothy Munene 2. Justine Awino 3. Dr. James Muriuki 4. Ecologist Fibanda 5. Kyeni Wambua

Main discussion points ● The team agreed that having a road across the park is not a

good idea as it will expose the wildlife to destruction and

poaching

● It was also agreed that it is possible in the near future the

demand for infrastructure will be there hence the park

management needs to be prepared for this.

Top 3 recommendations for the plan ● Possibility of constructing the roads underground and

Constructing fly over roads

● Expanding already existing roads

● Ensure policies are set in place to protect the park from future demand of infrastructure

Typed by: Kyeni Wambua

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Session: 1 Breakout space:4 Topic:

Ecosystem Valuation Convener: Margaret and Zarek Cockar Who was there? 13 folks Main discussion points

• What is the value of the Nairobi National Park for the

Country. For example pollinators.that exist the park which

help to sustain agriculture and farms and ranches, how

negatively affected would they be if NNP was not there. Is

there a monetary value we can place on the ES services that

NNP provide? These include ES services provisioning,

regulating ,supporting and cultural services.

• What does the Kenyan economy gain from the presence of

the park


• Recommend an ecosystem services valuation be undertaken as part of the initial work on the management plan. This study should be owned and led by KWS

• Reinhard to connect with KWS and set up a small task team to define a concept note and objectives

• Connect with university students and set up partnership to enable carrying out the survey

• Use this as strong communication piece for KWS

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• Scientifically robust and replicated in other national parks – use our own conservationsits and biologist from Kenya and Kenyan universities

• Convey the results through mainstream media to the public. Communicate to policy makers

• Types of resources time available to scope out the study. Formulate or suggest objectives and work with the KWS research persons and work from there.

Typed by: Wahida Patwa

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How Can We Balance Access To The Park While Preserving Visitor Experience & Nature Including Tarmacking Of Roads. Convener: Jimi Kariuki / Shalini Who was there: Denise Wagner Anita Mwashi Tim M Jimi Karuiki Shruthi & Shalini Maryjka Beckman Main discussion points

• Alternative activities could be included such as bird watching

that will raise interest in the park. This could be done through

partnering with other insititutions near the park such as Uhuru

gardens which allows them to do other activities in a separate

area and still access the park.

• Have the main roads to be tarmacked and big tracks and leave

the feeder roads especially roads such as the Sosian Road

which is terrible. Such bad roads lead to distraction in the park.

The danger is speeding but it could be controlled by use of

speed bumps. A suggestion to have a bus route.

• KWS should change their marketing strategy from an

entertainment centre to the PARK. NNP should be marketed as a

wildlife habitat and a biodiversity well in the midst of an urban

area.

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• Control the numbers in the parks to avoid overcrowding. Have

patrol cars to avoid crowding which will enhance visitor

experience.

• Visitors should have tour guides to ensure that they enjoy the

whole visitor experience A suggestion is to improve wait time to

enter into the park and have a guide to aid in entering the park.

• Sustainability of the picnic sites. This can be done by upgrading

the washrooms and have clean washrooms and also have

sponsors as well. Top 3 recommendations for the plan

• Preservation, improvement and restoration. Welcome partnerships that promote preservation of the park.

• Recreation based on restoration and preservation. KWS should change their marketing strategy from an entertainment centre to the PARK as a wildlife habitat and a biodiversity well in the midst of an urban area.

• Tarmacking of only the main tracks to ease access and leave the feeder roads .Possible danger is speeding but it could be controlled by use of speed bumps. There is also need to control the numbers in the parks to avoid overcrowding an example would be to have patrol cars to avoid crowding which will enhance visitor experience.

Typed by: ANITA MWASHI

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Session: 2 Breakout number: Topic:

Metapopulation Management Convener: Mary Wykstra Who was there? Abraham Benedict Kimani Risper (another person appeared briefly but I missed the name (Musingi?)) Main discussion points

• The plan contradicts itself – managing for certain species but

wanting to introduce species that cannot live together

• Metapopulation management looks at how to work on closed

ecosystem – at what point is a shift in wildlife management

needed from open system and migratory management to closed

system?

• Research is needed for species sustainability

• Community engagement is needed for corridor management if

corridors remain intact. This means going to the ground for

people who do not have tech access.

• When considering fencing look at the reasons for fences.

• Look at example from Kimana Conservancy area of Amboseli

for migratory route management – what has worked and what

has cause greater conflict..

• Seek more input from experiences in other areas in terms of

corridor management – Rhino management for example is

already metapopulation based. South Africa manages carnivores

with metapopulation methods.

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• Assure there is a scientific basis to fencing and corridor

management.

• Must be realistic about what the park can support

• Management should be science and research driven which

includes research on culture and community values.

• Recognize that the settlement and land use changes have

already created barriers to migrations of certain species that may

be best served by management outside of the Park parameters.

• Invasive species management needs to be included in the

management of the park and the species carrying capacity.

• Species management needs to include conflict mitigation

strategies – protocol development.

• In management the plan for allowing in park grazing - an MOU

with the community needs to be developed (use Amboseli as an

example).

OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION

Security: Management should create a park App – Citizen

Science – documenting species distribution and threats within

the park

Permanent Tented Camp: Define the term and what is allowed

at the camps. (There are many tented camps that are great for

tourism but are not permanent.) How many camps? Limit the

number. And the bed number. Is there a need for 4-5 star in the

park. Be very careful not to overcrowd with development.

Permanent Road: Maintain the marram rather than fragmenting

the parks.

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• Conduct scientific evaluation of species best served by the park and the species of focus and carrying capacity.

• Involve communities from the ground up in the decisions and solutions

• Include social and biological indicators in science based management decisions – including the need for management shifts if so required for closed or limited system management.

Typed by: Mary

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How to ensure we get access for children to the park especially those who cannot afford it? & How do we educate the young children to fight the degradation of the park and threat to animals? How to change the narrative Convener: Margaret Otieno Who was there? Michelle Julie Monahan Tobias Odhacha Bahola Marcus Victoria Wangui Bathseba Ratemo Maurice Abondo Edward Mwendwa Margaret Otieno Kyeni Wambua Harriet Matsaert Main discussion points

• How can students be engaged and motivated in activities that can

allow easy access to the park.

• The new Kenyan CBC Education curriculum has a subject on

Environmental Science. This can be a great way to educate young

children on matters concerning National Parks. National Parks

need to contribute to the Environmental Science curriculum.

• How can we enhance partnerships between conservation areas

and conservation educators in ensuring availability of enhanced

conservation education materials?

• Students should be actively engaged in conservation efforts within

conservation areas.

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1. The proposed visitor centres in the plan should have dedicated spaces and resources for children conservation education.

2. Enhanced production of children books and educational materials in gaining more knowledge and understanding of the parks and their biodiversity.

3. Conservation stakeholders should join hands in fundraising and

creating opportunities in ensuring children are able to visit conservation areas.

4. Leveraging technology to deliver interactive education and making conservation education fun.

5. Ensure there are conservation and wildlife programs offered by the park or through partnership to engage children of each age group.

6. Conservation partners should build up synergies and collaborate in creating and distribution of conservation education materials, capacity building of schools.

7. Develop a case study through partnership conservation organizations in educating students and the public about the biodiversity of the park.

8. Children involvement in citizen science projects in conservation areas and specifically Nairobi National park.

Typed by; Tobias Odhacha

Session: 2 Breakout space: 4

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Topic:

How can we ensure that public and more so conservationists are all invited and fully involved in any plan that affects NNP. Convener: Mohammed Hersi Who was there? Dr. Paula Kahumbu Mohammed Hersi Reinhard Bonke Lori Bergemann Risper Violet Kemunto Zarek Cockar Masumi Gudka Akshay Vishwanath Nishad Patel Nina Kazziha Hannah Mutegi Dr James Muriuki Anthony Wachira Edward Ndegwa Main discussion points

• Nairobi Park is in the biggest economic hub of Eastern Africa

• Why is it so hard for authorities to include the public

• Public are never involved in the original planning – how do we

get involved at the early stage so that we can be in the co-

creation with the authorities

• Govt says they are involving public but existing efforts are not

sincere – decisions are already made and govt is not good at

involving people

• With transparency this would be solved – honest, timely

consultations not just being told what Govt is doing

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• Information meetings cannot be considered public consultation –

no chance for read through, engagement, analysis etc

• What other examples exist in Kenya – look at Aberdares

• We need clear standards between conservation fraternity and

the government agencies - standards for public participation

• It’s a legal issue and culture change issue at KWS

• Is KWS overwhelmed by the many different people, should there

be an association with standards and measures as a basic

guidelines in terms of practice and decision making,

communication products,

• We are not short of organizations – but the conservationists have

been singled out. Until now the tourism sector has been silent –

they need to speak up and now we are going to give full support

- the outcome of this breakout group must include that the

process to date has not been adequate and using KEPSA and

GOK

• We need to get communities involved as well

• Not just involving people in planning, but also in implementation

• Much of the plan is ok but 20% is not accepted but KWS are not

listening, are arguing that either you are in or out. Much of the

information is treated as sensitive. People have been threatened.

How do we ensure that we can engage without fear?

• Fear and threats have been used to prevent the public from

participating effectively or challenging the KWS. There’s no

oversight body for KWS – like IPOA for police or NET for NEMA.

• Should KWS set up a public participation registration

mechanism, and should there be a management committee?

Such mechanisms exist and we can go to court! The reason for

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abuses is the lack of consequences for the KWS to ignore the

legal mandated committees.

• KWS should be intentional in inviting people into the

development of the management plans, including going to the

ground to the communities.

• Articulate a complaint to KWS that we are unhappy with the

process used for NNP Plan

• Issues between Ministry and KWS must be resolved

Top 3 recommendations for the plan 1 KWS to comply with the clear rules of engagement for

stakeholders using the Protected Areas Planning Framework (which needs to be updated to comply with Constitution and Statutory Instruments Act) including transparency about how feedback is incorporated in the final plan.

2 KWS must demonstrate goodwill and transparency in engaging the public, both citizens of Kenya and global community, as enshrined in the constitution through bi-monthly town hall meetings and/or other platforms.

3 Develop and implement clear mechanism for escalating issues and concerns about park planning process and implementation all the time.

Typed by: Paula Kahumbu.

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Ecolodge Convener: Nadia Who was there? Nadia Nigel John Henry Francisca Kasuku Peter Justine Awino Main discussion points

• Is it a new building (eco lodge)?

• Is the eco-lodge an upgrade of the club house?

• Should the restaurants that already exist be upgraded?

• Are there impacts in the park of having such infrastructure and

who is investing in it? Is it about adding more revenue without

considering other factors apart from economic value?

• A new building in the park should be avoided, as the park is not

large enough for any new build.

• There could be an effective ecolodge (based on Kenya’s best

lodges, like Il Ngwesi, built on the edge of the NNP that secures

new tourism income, Stong conservation and training benefits as

well as collecting data about the park.

• The future of the NNP Clubhouse that has the capacity for

functions for upto 350 should be reviewed, to serve the needs of

future visitors, including primary and high schools.

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• The current tented camp currently has just 9 tents with two beds.

The camp should not be allowed to be any bigger than that.

Top 3 recommendations for the plan • No new building within the Nairobi National Park.

• If the existing camps to remain in the Nairobi national park it should remain small scale with low impact (define how) to the parks’ biodiversity.

• Much more information about the eco-lodge and planned activities (Consider noise pollution, carrying capacity of the club house .i.e. Club house hosts around 350 people –Parties should be discouraged. and such other factors) to be provided to the public and stakeholders.

Typed by: Francisca Kasuku

Open Space Report 13 June 2020 - conservationalliance.or.ke · Shruthi & Shalini Miho funaoka Carol...

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